4 Major Reasons to Perform Training Needs Assessment

1. 4 Major Reasons to Perform Training Needs Assessment There are a lot of reasons why businesses need to perform a training program – to update the employees on process improvements, to address changes in laws or industry regulations, the roll-out of new equipment or technology, the realignment of job functions due to restructuring, or to close the performance gaps. Implementation of new software or updates in the operational process will be only if the employees adopt it and are comfortable with the change. Training is effective only when it addresses the actual need of the particular organization. People often consider training as an afterthought; they think it should be implemented once the project has been completed, but practically it should be an action item that needs to be included on the original plan. The first step in

2. developing a training program, no matter what the size or scope, is a training needs assessment. However, some organizations skip this step; thinking needs assessment is a waste of time and resources. So here are the major reasons to perform a training needs assessment before implementing a new change or program in your business. Addressing the Actual Business Needs Managers and project leaders often think that the training they’ve identified is the right course of action, but once the trainer starts asking questions about the business needs, they may uncover a different issue. So, to make sure that the training program matches up to the requirements of the business, the training plan may need to change. Thus the training needs assessment asks and answers the fundamental questions about why, what, when, and how.

3. Improved Learning The trainer explores different delivery methods according to the target audience to enhance the learning process. So, it is vital to identify who will require the training while creating the corporate training program, and customize the course content to the specific department or role. This is because the more relevant information is given to the group, the better is the learning and retention, and more chance of successful training. Greater Return From the managers who identify the training requirements to the trainer/facilitator who develops the program and delivers the session, to the employees who participate, there’s a significant amount of time spent by everyone involved. Therefore, conducting training needs analysis delivers a higher return on that investment. Benefit the Bottom Line A successful corporate training program provides the employees with the skills they require to improve job performance and lead towards higher productivity, thus positively impacting the organization’s bottom line.